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Hey Wanderers! One of the things I love about the Arizona Renaissance Festival is their town dance. Mark and I have been a part of the town dance since our first year here, when Mark started playing and later invited me to join in. This year, I was especially looking forward to this moment in the festival day, where the cast helps teach folk dances to patrons. Over the time we've been part of the dance, we've seen it grow as more and more patrons stop and learn dances with a group of people they've never met. Ren faires are magical places for a lot of reasons, but town dance exemplifies this in so many ways. Strangers who are diverse in nearly every way come together and bravely learn these dances, and they're having so much fun that bystanders will jump in. It's beautiful to see people of different generations at play, being patient with each other as they learn new steps, and getting caught up in the music! Music is the only real magic. For a brief moment, all divisions are suspended and people find joy in sharing a safe space of shared play. In this time of so many deep divisions and so much fear, I get to take part in a moment that bridges gaps and creates joy instantly. Town dance takes place in the Local Yokels Village at 3:30pm. Should you find yourself at the Arizona Renaissance Festival, make sure you don't miss it! Seek beauty! Jeremy |